Return to Work Best Practices
The province is considering options for easing the restrictions that aim to combat the coronavirus that causes COVID-19
Dr. Bonny Henry, British Columbia’s public-health officer, says “We have to find that balance of opening the economy, (and) having business going while maintaining some of the restrictions we have in place.”
This is encouraging news for those of you who run your own business, particularly if you were thinking of selling it soon. But opening your business may mean having your workforce come back into closer contact with one and other. So we thought it would be important to share some considerations and simple ways to reduce working days lost due to illness and stop or slow the spread of COVID-19 if it arrives at one of your workplaces.
The first step is for employers to consider which workers need to physically be at work. If practicable, employers should:
Prioritize the work that needs to take place at the workplace to help your business operate as close to normal under the circumstances.
Consider having workers work remotely (e.g., work at home).
If you need to have your workers physically present at the workplace these are some considerations from The World Health Organization that will help you to maintain a safe environment:
Make sure your workplaces are clean and hygienic Why? Because contamination on surfaces touched by employees and customers is one of the main ways that COVID-19 spreads.
Promote regular and thorough hand-washing by employees, contractors, and customers Why? Because washing kills the virus on your hands and prevents the spread of COVID19.
Promote good respiratory hygiene in the workplace by providing face masks and tissues for employees Why? Because good respiratory hygiene prevents the spread of COVID-19.
Brief your employees, contractors, and customers that if COVID-19 starts spreading in your community anyone with even a mild cough or low-grade fever (37.3 C or more) needs to stay at home. Why? Because staying at home when you're sick helps stop the spread of the virus.
Here are some great resources for setting up your work environment